Hello guys,

When I first started out with AV in April of 1998, I had no idea about the higher quality US Elite LD Players, let alone the Japanese HLD X0 / X9 ect.

My first LD Player was the DVL-909 (still going strong.)
I had this players DVD section modified to play all regions.

When I went to the shop in Kent for the first time, it was there that I had my first experience of viewing the Pioneer ELITE Product's

The DVL 91 Combi player WOW!!!!! I have got to get one of these I thought, with the ebony wooden sides and the deeply polished black facia, I was smitten.

Now those of the members here who live in the US may not appreciate this, but in the UK we had no such product that came this close.

If it was'nt for the independant shops who imported these items of hardware, for those of us who wanted them, then this would have been quite difficult to have these product's in our posession.

Now what were your thoughts when you first caught site of the ELITE Product's?

Sincerest Regards to all

First and only Pioneer Elite I've had the pleasure of viewing/owning is the CLD-79. Even so, it gave off the sharpest LD picture I had seen up to that point (not surprising considering that the only LD players I've seen/used were a crappy Sony LD players and a DVL-919.)

Currently, I'm saving to hopefully get an LD-S2 or CLD-97 (or maybe even the McIntosh MLD-7020.) As I've been eager to see one of those in action.

I just had to have mine but I was stupid enough to take a chance on it. I should have bought a CLD-79 that wasn't for parts or repair and possibly have the remote manual and original box. I paid Duncan and the one selling the auction too much money. It was fixable and I am using it alot now so I guess it was money well spent but like earlier I should have gotten a manual, remote and original box for the amount of money I invested in it. you live and learn I guess.
I would tried to get another CLD-79 as a backup player but I'll settle for something cheaper if it allows me to view my precious discs then I'm happy. I kinda miss my 980 but I couldn't keep it at the time and now I might find another one and pick that up or an industrial player or something if I really want to. I am happy with my gorgeous looking Elite CLD-79 though and I'll love it forever

Hello elahrairrah,

Currently, I'm saving to hopefully get an LD-S2 or CLD-97 (or maybe even the McIntosh MLD-7020.)

I was fortunate to get hold of a brand new unopened CLD-97 about 3 1/2yrs ago imported from the US, this took mself 18 approx months to pay for and receive.

I am not sure if you are aware of this or not, but the McIntosh MLD-7020 is the CLD-97 inside, the LD-S2 is a beautiful piece of engineering of which weighs & built like a tank.

Hope the saving goes well and keep us informed, as I know how patient I needed to be when achieving a goal such as yours.

Regards

Yep, I know that the MLD-7020 is a CLD-97 with a McIntosh faceplate and pretty blue lights. That's why I mentioned it

The CLD-97 Elite player was the last special Elite design. The LD-S2, CLD-95 and CLD-97 were the real US Elite special designed models. The others including the CLD-79 and 99 are regular players in Elite packaging. The CLD-99 and DVL-91 do have better filters for the S-Video output.

Some people just want the Elite look and are you willing to pay for it? If you buy an Elite make sure you purchase the high end models, there are mid-line regular also in Elite packaging. Example, the CLD-59 is a CLD-D604 repackaged so the CLD-59 should be much less than the CLD-79/99

Hello krbahr,

Thank you for your input and knowledge on this subject